Module for a structure

ABSTRACT

A module for a structure, the module comprising an elongate member having opposite end portions which each have a connection means suitable for connection with connection means of like modules and a body portion extending in a general axial direction, wherein each end portion extends in substantially opposite lateral directions from the axial direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to structures which are formed byconnecting preformed modules together.

[0002] The present invention has a particular application for storagestructures such as racks for storing bottles.

[0003] According to one application of the invention modules inaccordance with the present invention may be connected together to forma wine rack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Many different types of wine racks are currently available andmany of these involve wooden structures with specially shaped shelvingto support wine bottles. The problem with many wine racks is that theyare made with a specific number of receptacles for wine bottles.Therefore according to one scenario as a wine collection is increased itis necessary to buy additional wine racks which may cause problems withavailable space for addition of these extra wine racks.

[0005] According to another scenario a person may buy an extra largewine rack and eventually fill this rack over a period of time. In theinterim valuable space may be taken up without any wine being stored inthe wine rack.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,727 discloses one type of modular wine rackwhich is formed from two unitary frames which are connected together toform a number of interposing receptacles for bottles.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention it isdesirable to provide a wine rack which may be constructed from modules.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention there isprovided a module for a structure, the module comprising an elongatemember having opposite end portions which each have a connection meanssuitable for connection with connection means of like modules and a bodyportion extending in a general axial direction, wherein each end portionextends in substantially opposite lateral directions from the axialdirection.

[0009] The body portion may be substantially planar.

[0010] It is preferred that each end portion is substantially planar.

[0011] It is preferred that the structure is a wine rack.

[0012] It should be understood that planar is intended to cover thin,generally flat panel like structures of any configuration.

[0013] Planar is also intended to cover mesh or grid like patterns whichform a frame which is generally much thinner than it is wide or long.

[0014] Preferably each end portion is arcuate in shape.

[0015] The body portion is preferably wide and long compared to itsthickness.

[0016] Each end portion may be arcuate in shape.

[0017] It is preferred that the connection means comprises a connectionportion.

[0018] Preferably the connection means at one end of the modulecomprises a male portion and the connection means at the other endcomprises a female portion.

[0019] It is preferred that the male portion comprises an enlarged lipor edge wall.

[0020] The female portion preferably comprises a slot formed in abifurcated edge portion of the end portion.

[0021] The slot may be formed along the outermost edge of one end of themodule.

[0022] Preferably the bifurcated edge portion comprises arcuate branchesor bifurcations.

[0023] The slot preferably has a narrow opening.

[0024] The bifurcated edge portions preferably converge.

[0025] The module may have coupling means located between ends of themodule for coupling with like coupling means of another module.

[0026] The module preferably has upper and lower faces.

[0027] Preferably the module has coupling means for coupling upperand/or lower faces of the module to upper and/or lower faces of a likemodule respectively.

[0028] The coupling means may comprise coupling portions.

[0029] Preferably the coupling portions comprise spigots or ridges orlugs or the like.

[0030] It is preferred that the shape of the module is S-shaped, orwave-like or sinusoidal.

[0031] The module may have additional structures on each of its faces.It is preferred that one coupling portion is located near one end of themodule and the other coupling portion is located near the other end ofthe module on the opposite face thereof.

[0032] It is preferred that each coupling portion is located close tothe start of end portions of each module, where each end portion isdefined by a curved wall extending from the body portion.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention there isprovided an apparatus for storing bottles comprising a plurality ofcomponents which are connectable together, each component having firstand second ends each with respective first and second end connectionmeans, wherein a first end connection means of one component is adaptedto be connected to a second end connection portion of another componentwhereby a plurality of components are adapted to be connected togetherto form one or more enclosures for storage of bottles.

[0034] It is preferred that two components when connected together forman enclosure for at least one bottle.

[0035] Preferably each component has substantially the same shape.

[0036] Each component may comprise a plurality of parts.

[0037] Each component preferably has a coupling means for coupling witha coupling means of an adjacent component.

[0038] The coupling means preferably includes at least one couplingportion.

[0039] It is preferred that there are two coupling portions.

[0040] According to one embodiment there may be a plurality of couplingportions.

[0041] The coupling means preferably includes upper and lower couplingportions which are adapted to couple with matching coupling portions ofone or more other components.

[0042] At least one component comprises an elongate member.

[0043] It is preferred that at least one component has a generally flator planar configuration.

[0044] The elongate member may be generally planar with a predeterminedshape.

[0045] Each component preferably has curved or arcuate portions.

[0046] Each component is preferably arcuate in shape.

[0047] Each component may be S-shaped.

[0048] It is preferred that opposite ends of the component face inopposite lateral directions.

[0049] Preferably each component has one end which is directed upwardlyand the other end is directed downwardly.

[0050] The coupling means may include an upper coupling part locatednear one end of the component and a lower coupling part located near theopposite end.

[0051] The upper coupling part may be located near the other end whichis directed downwardly.

[0052] It is preferred that when two components are connected togetherthey form an enclosure therebetween which is adapted to receive andsupport a bottle.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a frame for storing bottles comprising a plurality of moduleswith each module connected end to end with an adjacent module.

[0054] It is preferred that coupling portions of each module are adaptedto abut a coupling portion of an adjacent module.

[0055] The words “comprising, having, including” should be interpretedin an inclusive sense, meaning that additional features may also beadded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed by way of example only with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

[0057]FIG. 1 shows a module according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0058]FIG. 2 shows a front view of a wine rack formed from modules asshown in FIG. 1;

[0059]FIG. 3 shows an angled view of the wine rack shown in FIG. 2;

[0060]FIG. 4 shows an angled view of a module according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

[0061]FIG. 5 shows a wine rack formed from modules as shown in FIG. 4;

[0062]FIG. 6 shows an angled view of a module according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

[0063]FIG. 7 shows a wine rack made from modules shown in FIG. 6;

[0064]FIG. 8 shows an angled view of a module according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

[0065]FIG. 9 shows a wine rack made from modules shown in FIG. 8;

[0066]FIG. 10 shows an angled view of a module according to a fifthembodiment of the present invention; and

[0067]FIG. 11 shows a wine rack from modules as shown in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1 a module according to the preferred embodimentof the invention consists of a curved laminar element made of anysuitable material such as wood, plastic or metal. The sides of theelement are parallel and the ends are perpendicular to the sides.

[0069] The module 10 has a wavy S-like shape consisting of a centralrectangular section 11 of similar length and width and panel-likethickness.

[0070] One end of the central section 11 curves downwardly through anarcuate section 12 and the other end curves upwardly through a similararcuate section 13.

[0071] Arcuate section 12 has its end edge 14 provided with a straightrounded rim 14 with the thickness of the rim being slightly larger thanthe thickness of the overall module 10.

[0072] At the opposite end of the module the arcuate section 13 has astraight edge 15 which is bifurcated to form converging rounded branches16. The ends of the branches 16 define a narrow opening 17 which opensto a rounded channel having a matching interior shape to the exteriorshape of the rim 14. Thus a rim 14 of one module is able to fit into thechannel 17 of another module by sliding engagement from one side of thechannel 17.

[0073] The angle or curvature of each section 12, 13 is more than onequarter of the circumference of a circle or half of a semi-circle.

[0074] The module 10 has an upper face 18 and a lower face 19.Approximately one quarter of the way along the curved section 12 a ridge20 extends from one side edge of the module to the opposite side edge22.

[0075] The ridge 20 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of themodule 10.

[0076] The ridge 20 has a thickness similar to that of the overallmodule 10 and is slanted slightly towards the central section 11.

[0077] In a similar fashion curved section 13 has a ridge 23 on itslower surface, again at approximately one quarter of the distance fromthe edge of the central section 11 to the edge 15.

[0078] The ridge 23 is slightly slanted away from the central section11.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 2 a number of modules 10 can be connectedtogether end to end by connecting the rim 14 into the channel 17.

[0080] Because of the shape of the module 10 when two modules areconnected end to end the ridges 20 and 23 engage with matching ridges ofan adjacent module 10.

[0081] Thus in FIG. 2 a bottom module 30 has its channel 31 connectedwith a rim 32 of another module 33.

[0082] The combined curvature of curved section 34 of module 30 which isprovided with the channel 31 at its end and curved section 35 having therim 32 at its end result in an enclosure 36 being created betweenadjacent modules 30 and 33.

[0083] This enclosure 36 is formed because the curvature of sections 34and 35 is greater than the curvature of a semi-circle and is able tosupport a bottle.

[0084] It is preferred if modules are identical that the curvature ofeach of the sections 34 and 35 is greater than the curvature of half asemi-circle and is sufficient so that the central section of two moduleswhen connected together converge.

[0085] In the preferred embodiment it is noted that as shown in FIG. 2ridge 37 located on the lower face of curved section 34 is verticallyaligned with ridge 38 on the upper surface of curved section 35.

[0086] It follows that the angle of curvature from a ridge to the endedge of a curved section preferably corresponds to half of asemi-circle.

[0087] It follows therefore that the distance of the ridge to theadjoining central section determines the angle at which central sectionsof connected modules converge.

[0088] It is noted that the position of the ridges may be changed sothat they are not vertically aligned in the above manner. However forstability reasons having the ridges vertically aligned results in a morestable wine rack assembly.

[0089] Still referring to FIG. 2 it is noted that the other curvedregion 39 of module 30 has its ridge 39 on its upper surface engagingwith ridge 40 on the lower surface of arcuate section 41 of module 33.

[0090] It is noted that the ridges 39 and 40 engage by the inner edge 42of ridge 39 abutting the outer edge 43 of ridge 40.

[0091] In FIG. 1 the inner edge 42 would correspond with inner edge 24of ridge 20 and the outer edge 43 would correspond with outer edge 25 ofridge 23.

[0092] The engagement of ridges 39 and 40 prevent module 33 from movingto the left and at the same time provide support for anything located ontop of the upper face 45 of module 33.

[0093] Another module 50 may be connected to module 33 in a similarfashion to that previously described regarding modules 30 and 33, sothat in contrast to modules 33 and 30 an enclosure is created to theleft of the centre of each central section of modules 30 and 33 insteadof to the right thereof. Channel 51 of module 33 and ridge 52 of module50 engage in the manner previously described. Likewise ridge 38 ofmodule 33 and ridge 53 of module 50 engage in the same fashion as ridges39 and 40.

[0094] Rim 54 and ridge 37 of module 30 provide the support points forthe assemblage of modules. Depending upon the number of bottles thatneed to be stored in the assemblage additional modules may becontinuously added, thus moving the assemblage upwardly creating aserpentine path of modules with symmetrically arranged enclosures formedbetween adjacent modules.

[0095] By changing the shape of the modules the shape of the enclosuresmay be changed and it is possible for each enclosure to support morethan one bottle.

[0096] According to a variation of the present invention each module hassurface structures such as walls which are able to separate bottlessupported on the same surface of a module.

[0097] According to another variation each module has a number ofserpentine curves which create a number of enclosures when two modulesare connected together.

[0098] According to another embodiment of the invention the ridges maybe replaced by holes through the module which are able to receivefastening devices.

[0099] A module according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 4 is very similar to the module of the firstembodiment, except that lower arcuate section 55 has a larger angle ofcurvature and consequently at its lower end rim 56 curves inwardly. Inthe first embodiment corresponding arcuate section 39 had rim 54 at itsouter end angled slightly outwardly, although almost downwardlyvertically.

[0100] Because arcuate section 55 has a greater angle of curvature thecorresponding upper arcuate section 57 has a smaller angle of curvaturein direct proportion to the increase in angle of curvature for arcuatesection 55.

[0101] Thus as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 the upper arcuate section 57 isvery short and extends outwardly at approximately 45° to horizontal.Channel 58 at its outer end couples with the rim 56.

[0102] The second embodiment exemplifies how the arcuate sections ateach end of the module may vary in length and curvature.

[0103] The third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6and 7 exemplifies how the shape of the module according to the presentinvention may change. Accordingly in the third embodiment of theinvention the arcuate sections of the first two embodiments are replacedby irregular shaped upper and lower curved sections 60, 61. Typicallythe upper section 60 when coupled to a lower section 61 of anothermodule results in the combined sections covering a curvature of 180°approximately from ridge 62 of one module 63 to ridge 64 of the module65 to which it is coupled. In fact like ridges of modules on one side ofthe wine rack are generally vertically aligned as are like ridges on theother side of the wine rack, 67, 68, 69.

[0104] It should be noted from the above that individual modules may bebroken into smaller and smaller parts. However the assembled wine rackis formed from a series of modules which together form a serpentine pathwhich forms series of aligned openings on left and right hand sides ofthe wine rack. The size and shapes of the openings 70, 71, 72, 73 mayvary depending upon the curvature and general shape of each module whencoupled with an adjacent module. FIGS. 8 and 9 show a module accordingto a fourth embodiment of the present invention which approximates asine wave in shape. One module 74 shown in FIG. 8 differs from previousmodules because the ends of each arcuate section 75, 76 are providedwith a different shaped coupling portion 77, 78 respectively.

[0105] End portion 77 of the lower arcuate section 75 consists of anoutwardly extending lip whereas the end portions 77 of the upper arcuatesection 76 is provided with an inwardly facing channel of the same shapeas the lip 77.

[0106] Each arcuate section 75, 76 curves through an angle ofapproximately 45° so that when like modules are connected together as inFIG. 9, end portions 77 and 78 couple at approximately the mid pointbetween the upper and lower extremities of the coupled modules 79, 80.Furthermore the lower end 77 is approximately aligned with the lowerridge 81 of the same module. Likewise the upper end 78 is horizontallyaligned with the upper ridge 82 of the same module.

[0107] A fourth embodiment of the present invention thus provides a winerack with a symmetric arrangement of modules, with coupled ends beingsubstantially horizontally aligned with coupled ridges of the same pairof coupled modules.

[0108] According to the fifth embodiment of the present inventioncoupling between adjacent ridges of coupled modules may be modified.Thus as shown in FIG. 10 a module 83 is provided with upper and lowerridges 84, 85 which each decrease in width to an apex which is a flathorizontal plateau. Thus as shown in FIG. 11 ridges of adjacent coupledmodules instead of hooking together abut bottom face to top face withone on top of the other.

[0109] In the fifth embodiment it is preferred that the modules aremodified versions of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] It is noted that the size and width of the ridges in the fifthembodiment of the present invention may vary to provide greater orlesser surface area contact between adjacent ridges 84, 85.

[0111] According to another embodiment of the present invention a winerack is made from modules which when connected together provide a ribbonlike serpentine path which creates substantially identical openingswhich are adapted to receive bottles, such as bottles of wine. It ispreferred that the openings are substantially pear or tear drop shape.

[0112] It is preferred that the wine rack consists of a series of leftand right side openings formed by coupled pairs of modules. Each of thepairs of openings are aligned vertically along with left and right sideridges 84, 85. The height of the overall wine rack will be determined bythe overall stability of the structure which is thus formed.

[0113] According to one embodiment of the invention a base plate may beprovided with coupling portions to enable the lowermost module to becoupled thereto.

[0114] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication isreferred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission thatthe publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art,in Australia or in any other country.

1. A module for a structure, the module comprising an elongate memberhaving opposite end portions which each have a connection means suitablefor connection with connection means of like modules and a body portionextending in a general axial direction, wherein each end portion extendsin substantially opposite lateral directions from the axial direction.2. The module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body portion issubstantially planar.
 3. The module as claimed in claim 2 wherein eachend portion is substantially planar.
 4. The module as claimed in claim 3wherein at least one end portion is substantially curved.
 5. The moduleas claimed in claim 4 wherein each end portion is substantially arcuate.6. The module as claimed in claim 5 wherein each connection meanscomprises a connection portion having either a male or female portionwhich is adapted to couple with a matching portion of a like module. 7.The module as claimed in claim 6 wherein the connection means comprisesat least one female portion having a slot formed in a bifurcated edgeportion of the end portion.
 8. The module as claimed in claim 7 whereinone of the connection portions comprises a male portion having anenlarged lip which is adapted to couple with the slot of the femaleportion.
 9. The module as claimed in claim 8 including coupling meanslocated on upper and lower faces of the module and adapted to couplewith coupling means of like modules.
 10. The module as claimed in claim9 wherein the coupling means comprises coupling portions each includinga ridge.
 11. A module for a storage structure comprising a body portionwhich is adapted to support an article, a first end portion which isadapted to couple with a corresponding end portion of a like module, asecond end portion which is adapted to couple with a corresponding endportion of a further like module and a support means which is adapted torest on a support surface of another module and wherein when the moduleis coupled with a like module, the two modules form an enclosure adaptedto receive an article for support on the body portion of the module. 12.The module as claimed in claim 11 wherein the support means comprises abase portion.
 13. The module as claimed in claim 12 wherein the supportmeans comprises two base portions, one on one face of the module and asecond base portion on an opposite face of the module.
 14. The module asclaimed in claim 13 wherein the body portion comprises a first face anda second face on an opposite side of the module to the first face, witheach face being adapted to be capable of supporting an article.
 15. Themodule as claimed in claim 14 wherein each base portion comprises anextension from respective faces of the module.
 16. The module as claimedin claim 15 wherein base portions are configured to abut with baseportions of other modules when the module is coupled with other likemodules.
 17. The module as claimed in claim 16 wherein each end portioncurves in substantially opposite directions from the body portion. 18.The module as claimed in claim 17 wherein the module is configured toincorporate a valley and a peak.
 19. An apparatus for storing bottlescomprising a plurality of modules which are connectable together, eachmodule having first and second ends each with respective first andsecond end connection means, wherein a first end connection means of onemodule is adapted to be connected to a second end connection portion ofanother module whereby a plurality of modules are adapted to beconnected together to form a plurality of enclosures for storage ofbottles.
 20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19 including a pluralityof left and right side enclosures.
 21. The apparatus as claimed in claim20 wherein each of the left and right side enclosures are alignedvertically with other left and right side enclosures respectively. 22.The apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the coupled modules definea structure having a serpentine shape.
 23. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 22 wherein each enclosure is formed by opposing faces of twocoupled modules.
 24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein eachmodule includes a base portion on one face of the module and a secondbase portion on an opposite face of the module.
 25. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 24 comprising left and right side base portions whichare respectively aligned vertically with other left and right side baseportions.
 26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25 comprising a stack ofcoupled modules forming a plurality of loops defining respectiveenclosures.